Nicole & Pete – Cherry Blossom Engagement Shoot

The thing I love most about cherry blossoms is that the delicate blooms only last for a few days. Cherry blossoms are a reminder to cherish what is precious and to celebrate what is beautiful in your life.

After following Nicole’s wedding inspiration on Pinterest, I knew that cherry blossoms would be perfect for their Engagement Shoot! Nicole adores soft pastel colors and delicate details. I cannot wait to see everything she’s been planning for her wedding at Antrim 1844 this summer, especially the antique accents!

On a very warm April evening, I met up with Nicole and Pete at a DC area neighborhood with over a thousand cherry blossom trees! White puffy trees canopy over the streets, almost like clouds. You truly feel surrounded by beauty. The blossoms had just a hint of pink, which looked beautiful with Nicole’s lace pink dress.

Nicole and Pete, I am so excited that you will be married soon! Enjoy this time leading up to your wedding day!

Krista A. Jones - What an adorable couple! This session is absolutely adorable and I’m so jealous you got to photograph among the cherry blossoms!

Lauren C - Ahhh!! This is like cuteness overload! I HAVE to go do a cherry blossom shoot next year!

Courtney Reese - beautiful! love the vibrant colors :)

Serena Severtson - Gorgeous! I love the spring vibe of this session – it’s super sweet and you did a wonderful job! :)

caitlin elizabeth - love these colors! i feel like i recognize them… did he go to william & mary?

Brea - I love the light, airy, springy feel to these! So lovely. The ring shots with the cherry blossoms are to die for.

Amazing April

Hello lovelies and lads! April has been super busy with about three portrait shoots each week! As Christopher Morely wrote, “April prepares her green traffic light and the world thinks GO.” I’ve really enjoyed spending so much time with my couples, but now my blog is in need of some love. I can’t wait to show you what I’ve been photographing lately! Until then, here’s a triple scoop of what’s new (plus a sneak peek, as the cherry on top!)

  • After having lunch with my girlfriend at a cute french bakery, a lady ran up to us and asked if we wanted a free blowout. She was from Drybar, a luxurious blowdry salon. Um, yes! She handed me a champagne flute with pink lemonade, and then washed and styled my hair. It was so fun and unexpected!
  • Making time to relax is so important. My quiet moments include a warm latte, a comfy couch, and Pinterest on my iPad.
  • Cherry blossoms are one of the most beautiful things about God’s creation! It’s so special how their blooms only last a week. Since I moved to the DC area, I’ve been dreaming about a cherry blossom shoot. At last, I photographed not just one, not just two, but THREE engagement shoots with the cherry blossoms!
  • Have you seen the FWP video? I cracked up about the chips and dip! Even though it was hilarious, it reminded me to focus on my blessings, and to serve others.
  • Annapolis! I visited for the first time ever, and now I can’t wait to go back. The city’s nautical and historical charm stole my heart.
  • On a serious note, a few really important people in my life are going through major health struggles. I am sending all my prayers and love to them. All things are possible!
  • I gave my website a mini-makeover! Since I designed it using ShowIt, it’s easy to update the look and add new content.
  • Going to the gym takes a lot of motivation before it becomes routine. I want exercise to be part of my daily schedule so I’ll have more strength and endurance on wedding days! Showing up to the gym feels like the hardest part – but I need to “Just do it.”
  • My closet is ready for summer – no more winter clothes. It makes me happy to see the bright pops of color, sandals, and sundresses!
  • Just when I think I couldn’t love my husband more, he surprises me. After almost a year of marriage, I’m still falling in love!

Love is in bloom. Come back later this week to see more of Nicole and Pete’s cherry blossom engagement shoot!

Alison Harper - What a beautiful April!! Sounds amazing. I love the cherry blossom shoot too!

Emilia Jane - Ah I love a good blowout, what a fun surprise!! And that sweet note from your hubby makes my heart sing <3

Natalie - The last bullet point just made my Monday even sweeter! :)

Dani - So many fun things in this post!! I love it!! Sending prayer to the ones in need as well. Love those sneak peeks!! Can’t wait to see more!

Urška Majer - Looks like a gorgeous session! Can’t wait to see more :)

Wonderstruck Wednesday

I missed posting this weekly series the last two Wednesdays, but that just means I have more to tell you about!

  • My kitchen spice cabinet now has a chalkboard on the inside of the cabinet door! I used a removable instant chalkboard (which I won from a giveaway!) so I can just peel it off whenever we sell the house one day.
  • Chick-fil-A has really fun kids toys. How often do you get a free game for ordering the lower calorie option? Score!
  • One of the best things about moving to Maryland is being closer to my relatives, especially my grandparents! I’m at my Grandma’s this week helping her out after eye surgery. I’m so blessed to have a job with the flexibility to work from anywhere.
  • Lattes just taste better when they look pretty. Check out this latte art from Cafe Nola in Frederick!
  • Spring was here this Sunday! I’m so glad I had an engagement shoot so I could enjoy the beautiful 60 degree weather with Katie and John. We went to oh-so beautiful Brookside Gardens – check out the sneak peek below!

How gorgeous is this Japanese Flowering Apricot Tree? I’m ready for spring and all the beauty it brings!

Danisa Flowers - Fabulously beautiful.Amazing photos by the way and the ring is elegantly gorgeous!Love it!

Angela Snyder - Beautiful! Yay for toys with your meal and blooming trees!!

Katie - YAY!!! We had SO much fun with you during our engagement shoot! I can’t wait to see the rest of the pics! :)

Emily - I need to see this cabinet door! That sounds awesome.

Christy Tyler - I’m so jealous of your spring already!!! Those blooms (and her ring) are gorgeous!!!

Janice Reyes - The sneak peek is beautiful! I can’t wait to see the rest.

Brea - Holy gorgeous!!! I’m so in love with this sneak peek. Where was the apricot tree?